Determined Sheffield boys battle through elements in memory of Captain Tom Moore

Seven-year-old Xander Dring from Dore and eight-year-old Jamie Ashworth from Frecheville have both taken part in physical challenges to honour the memory of the inspirational WWII veteran, who died aged 100 earlier this month.

Since the beginning of February, Xander has ridden 30 miles on his scooter, raising £400 for the Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

Xander’s mum Sarah said his determination to complete the challenge - even during terrible weather - had made her ‘so proud’.

She said: “He’s done it through all the snow and ice and slush and rain we’ve just had. Even when he has not felt like it he has gone out and done it.

“He has shown real determination. Lots of children are feeling a bit down at the moment because they are not seeing their friends but Xander was really inspired by Captain Tom.”

Jamie on the other hand has run and walked 111 times around the ‘triangle’ park near to where he lives in Frecheville, raising more than £1,000 for NHS Charities Together.

Jamie’s mum Suzy said she began posting updates on his challenge on her Facebook page and was amazed when friends and family began donating money.

She said: “He initially planned to do 100 laps round the park, but did another 10 for fallen heroes and another one for the Queen at the end!

“100 laps of the triangle is about 15 miles and it has been really cold while he has been doing it so we’ve had to properly layer up.

“Jamie has always been a very caring boy but he suffers a bit with confidence so he has done really well to keep at it and not give up.”

Captain Tom raised £32m for NHS Charities Together during the first coronavirus lockdown by walking round his Bedfordshire garden.

His fundraising exploits saw him knighted by the Queen and named the winner of the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award in December.

Donations can still be made to Jamie via Suzy Ashworth’s Facebook page and to Xander via Sarah Dring’s Facebook page.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.